Dr. Peter Crawford Birks – Nephrologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Peter Crawford Birks is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in New Westminster in New Westminster, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a Nephrologist, he specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.

Dr. Birks graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2013. Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He is a board-certified Nephrologist with over six years of specialized experience since 2018. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical expertise and patient care.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. Dr. Birks is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. He utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to achieve optimal patient outcomes, with a focus on early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. He values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to ensure holistic patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, emphasizing clarity and understanding for his patients.

Dr. Peter Birks provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Birks addresses management of high blood pressure, especially when it's difficult to control or related to kidney disease, and disorders of body salts and minerals.

• Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Potentially life-threatening if severe.
• Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Requires careful diagnosis of the cause and precise management of fluid and electrolyte intake.
• Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Kidneys play a key role in regulating acid-base balance. Disorders can be respiratory or metabolic.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Birks addresses early detection and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with CKD.

• Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Aims to prevent fractures and cardiovascular complications.
• Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Treated with iron supplements and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Kidney damage with normal or mildly reduced kidney function. Often asymptomatic, detected through routine blood/urine tests.

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

Dr. Birks addresses can be primary (originating in the kidneys) or secondary to systemic diseases like lupus or vasculitis.

• Lupus Nephritis: Regular screening for kidney involvement is crucial for lupus patients.
• Nephritic Syndrome: Characterized by hematuria (blood in urine), hypertension, oliguria (reduced urine output), and some degree of proteinuria and edema.
• Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): One of the common causes of kidney failure.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Peter Birks is necessary.

• Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Regular monitoring of dialysis adequacy, nutritional status, and management of related complications.
• Comprehensive Nephrology Consultation: Thorough assessment of kidney function, diagnosis of kidney diseases, and development of personalized management plans.
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: Identification of underlying causes and implementation of supportive care to promote kidney recovery.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Includes lifestyle counseling, medication management, and coordination of multidisciplinary care.
• Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Specialized care for kidney complications arising from diabetes, aiming to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.
• Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Collaboration with urologists for stone removal procedures when indicated.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Birks.

All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Birks's nephrology clinic is situated in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster, conveniently close to Royal City Centre Mall. The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local buses. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients can generally find on-site or nearby public parking options for ease of access.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Birks?

You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Birks if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, have significant risk factors (like diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension with signs of kidney impact), or experience symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urination, blood or protein in urine, or unexplained fatigue that your family doctor suspects is kidney-related. A referral from your primary care physician or another specialist is typically required.

What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Birks specialize in?

Dr. Birks is a Nephrologist, a physician with specialized training in kidney health and disease. He manages the full spectrum of kidney disorders, from early detection and prevention to advanced therapies like dialysis and post-transplant care. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Birks?

Dr. Birks is involved in the medical aspects of kidney transplantation. This means his role includes assessing if a transplant is a good option for you, helping manage your kidney disease before transplant, and providing ongoing medical care after the surgery. This post-transplant care is vital for the long-term success of the new kidney and involves medication management and regular check-ups.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Birks?

For most consultations with Dr. Birks that are medically necessary and covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist (like an internist or endocrinologist) is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively. In urgent situations, your referring doctor will facilitate an expedited consultation. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Birks's clinic for referral instructions.

What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Birks and a Urologist?

A Nephrologist like Dr. Birks is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, and medical aspects of kidney transplantation. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat anatomical or structural problems of the kidneys and urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones requiring surgery, bladder issues, prostate problems, cancers of the kidney/bladder/prostate). While both deal with kidneys, Nephrologists manage kidney function and disease medically, whereas Urologists manage surgically and address urinary tract structures.

How does Dr. Birks help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Birks can assess complex cases of hypertension, identify if it's related to kidney problems (renal hypertension), and tailor treatment plans that may include specialized medications or adjustments to existing ones to achieve target blood pressure levels and slow down any kidney damage.

What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Birks might discuss?

If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. Birks may discuss renal replacement therapies, primarily hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves filtering your blood using an external machine, usually at a dialysis center (or sometimes at home). Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) and a special solution to filter blood inside your body, and is typically done at home. Dr. Birks will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.

a specialized nephrology clinic in New Westminster
100-200 Keary St
New Westminster, BC V3L 0A6

Office Phone: (604) 516-7774

Dr. Birks is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Birks, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Birks's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/334433/Birks%2CPeter